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One of the federal government’s top scientific advisers is conducting an international lobbying blitz to assure key allies that Australia has a plan to achieve net zero emissions, in a new diplomatic effort ahead of a trio of crunch climate change summits this year.

Dr Alan Finkel, who was appointed special adviser on low-emissions technology when his term as chief scientist expired in December, has met virtually with ministers and officials in the United Kingdom and United States and has further conversations planned with Japan, South Korea and Germany.

Finkel said the offensive was designed “to make sure we understand each other’s emissions reduction strategies” and identify potential supply or research deals on low-emissions technologies.

“If you’re talking to a colleague, a company or even another country, you really have to be very upfront about what you’re doing and where you’re going,” Finkel said.

“I think Australia has actually been more successful than is appreciated and I certainly do take the opportunity to go through some of the achievements in reducing emissions Australia has had.”

Read the full article on The Sydney Morning Herald website, featuring Prof Will Steffen